Is Imposter Syndrome and Anxiety Connected? Psychiatrist Explains

Do you ever feel like you don’t deserve what you have achieved? Despite clear evidence of your success, do you feel like a ‘fraud’ and constantly doubt your abilities? If you have answered ‘yes’ to all of these questions, then you may be struggling with imposter syndrome. This psychological pattern is very common, and is often linked to anxiety as well. To know more about this, read this article till the very end.

Let us take a look at what our experts, Dr Sharadhi C, Consultant, Psychiatry, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore and Mr Saikishore, Clinical Psychologist, Aster Whitefield Hospital, have to say about this. 

Is Imposter Syndrome and Anxiety Linked?

Let us straightaway address the main point – is anxiety and imposter syndrome linked? Dr Sharadhi confirms that imposter syndrome and anxiety are closely connected, and they often occur together. 

Explaining this further, she says, “Imposter syndrome is the feeling that you are not as capable or successful as others believe, despite having the skills, qualifications, or achievements to prove otherwise. People with imposter syndrome often fear being ‘found out’ as a fraud and believe that their success is due to luck rather than ability.”

Adding to this, Mr Saikishore says, “Imposter syndrome causes self-doubts, which often create a fertile ground for anxiety. Individuals with imposter syndrome tend to set unrealistically high standards for themselves, overprepare, avoid asking for help, or constantly seek reassurance because they fear making mistakes. Over time, this chronic pressure can contribute to generalised anxiety, social anxiety, sleep disturbances, and emotional exhaustion. It is important to remember that imposter syndrome is not a mental disorder but a cognitive pattern that can coexist with anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, or depression.”

Study on Imposter Syndrome and Anxiety 

A 2023 study, published in The International Journal of Indian Psychology, explored how imposter syndrome and anxiety are linked, conducted among Indian college students. The research discovered that generalised anxiety is actually one of the most common symptoms among these individuals. The study also noted that fifty-two percent of the students showed high levels of imposter syndrome. Moreover, fifty-nine percent of the overall group reported low levels of anxiety. 

The final results of the study showed a moderate positive relationship between feeling like a fraud and feeling anxious. This connection indicates that as imposter syndrome increases, a person's anxiety levels also witness a spike. The researchers concluded that suffering from high imposter syndrome can directly cause higher levels of anxiety. Therefore, those dealing with this psychological pattern can experience intense worry and perceive new challenges as dangerous threats rather than exciting opportunities. As a result, his deep anxiety keeps them into a stressful cycle of either extreme over-preparation or fearful procrastination. 

Who Is More Likely To Experience Imposter Syndrome? 

Dr Sharadhi says that certain people may be more likely to experience imposter syndrome, including:

• Students
• Young professionals
• People starting a new job
• High achievers
• Those taking on greater responsibilities

“Social media comparisons, perfectionism, and unrealistic expectations can also make these feelings stronger,” she adds. On this note, the expert shares some of the tell-tale signs of imposter syndrome:

• The person constantly worries about making mistakes, disappointing others, or not meeting expectations.
• They may overwork.
• They may avoid new opportunities.
• They hesitate to speak up because they fear failure or criticism.
• This ongoing stress can affect confidence, sleep, concentration, and overall mental well-being. 

Tips To Manage Imposter Syndrome

Dr Sharadhi shares some ways to deal with imposter syndrome:

• Managing imposter syndrome starts with recognising these negative thoughts and challenging them with facts.
• Keeping a record of achievements.
• Accepting that no one is perfect.
• Setting realistic goals.
• Celebrating progress instead of only focusing on perfection can improve confidence.
• Talking to trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues often helps people realise that these feelings are common.
• Practising self-compassion.
• Managing stress through regular exercise, healthy sleep, and relaxation techniques can also reduce anxiety. 

When To Seek Medical Attention

Dr Sharadhi says that if self-doubt and anxiety become overwhelming, interfere with work or relationships, or continue for a long time, it is important to seek support from a mental health professional. “Early guidance can help build confidence, reduce anxiety, and improve overall emotional well-being,” she adds.

Adding to this, Mr Saikishore says, “Early recognition is key. Developing self-compassion, acknowledging achievements, reframing negative thoughts, and accepting that mistakes are a natural part of learning can significantly reduce its impact. If these feelings begin to interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or overall well-being, seeking support from a mental health professional can help individuals challenge unhelpful beliefs and build healthier self-confidence through evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).”

ALSO READ- Can Meditation Actually Worsen Anxiety for Some People? Expert Answers

Conclusion

To summarise, there is indeed a deep-rooted connection between imposter syndrome and anxiety. Chronic self-doubt can lead to severe stress. These feelings of being a ‘fraud’ or not being enough impact high achievers and young professionals, which can thereby cause anxiety. By actively recognising these negative patterns, you can take measures to deal with it by practicing self-compassion and challenging unrealistic expectations. However, if this psychological pattern starts to overwhelm your daily life, seeking medical guidance from a mental health professional is a must.